Indian Association of

Structural Engineers

Newsletter of the Indian Association of Structural Engineers

www.iastructe.co.in March 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Friends,

Warm greetings from IAStructE.

I am very happy to present to you the third Newsletter of the year 2024. Besides this the
association is regularly organising technical activities for the benefit of structural
engineering fraternity. You may find details of such activities and publications in this
newsletter and on our website. If you are not yet a member of IAStructE, kindly become
a member to avail yourself of the many benefits of the association.

In this newsletter, information related to the launch of the first online international workshop “Forensic
Structural Engineering”, jointly organized by IAStructE and fib. Also, a news of IIIT Hyderabad student
chapter organized technical visit to CSIR-NGRI on 20th March 2024.

Please send your feedback on our activities and suggestions for further improvements.

Best Regards,

Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar

President-IAStructE

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK CONTENTS

Dear Readers, Event Organized 2

The latest edition of this year's Events organized by Student Chapters 2-5
newsletter features a significant article Forthcoming Events 5
on the recent Baltimore bridge IAStructE Library 6
collapse contributed by our past
president, Mr. Alok Bhowmick. He has Message from Social Media Committee 6
taken the initiative to share valuable Member’s Published Articles 6
lessons learned for the benefit of our fellow members.
Article 7-10
We encourage readers to submit their peer-reviewed
publications in journals or any notable achievements Call for papers for CROSFALL 10
for publication in the newsletter, enriching the Call for Papers for the SED journal 10-11
knowledge-sharing among our community.
IAStructE Publications 11-12
Furthermore, we urge everyone to stay updated with IAStructE-fib Membership 13
our organization's activities by following us on social
Advertisement Tariff 14
media platforms and spreading the word among your
networks. Together, let's continue to foster a culture ASE-IAStructE programme 14
of learning and collaboration within our community. About IAStructE 15
Thanks and regards,
Membership Benefits 15
How to become a member? 15
Advertisements 16-17
Prof. Visalakshi Talakokula

IAStructE Newsletter * March 2024 * 1

 Indian Association of
Structural Engineers

Events Organized:
Online International Orientation Course on “Forensic Structural Engineering "

The course on "Forensic Structural Engineering" has been launched on 30th March 2024, which is
being jointly organized by IAStructE and fib. The course will continue 27th April 2024. The lectures
is being organized on every Saturday between 3 PM to 05:30 PM (IST). The inaugural session
featured a welcome address by Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar, President of IAStructE, Prof. Stephen
Foster, President, fib and Dr David Fernández-Ordóñez, Secretary General, fib. Mr. V. N. Heggade,
Vice Preisdent (West), IAStructE is the Course Coordinator and Moderator. The course received
sponsorship from S. P. Singla Constructions Pvt Ltd, Maurer-Sanfield India Pvt Ltd, Mageba Bridge
Products Pvt Ltd, Scon Infra Prestress LLP, J. K. Prestressing Co., Tata Projects Ltd, Long Span
Structures Pvt Ltd, VSL India Pvt Ltd, Hilti India Ltd, Freyssinet Menard India Private Limited, and
Geo Dynamics. Following eminent speakers delivered their lectures during the Inaugural Session:

 Dr. Harshavardhan Subbarao, Chairman & Managing Director, Construma Consultancy

 Mr. V. N. Heggade, Founder & CEO, DECon Complete Solutions, India
 Mr. Rajiv Ahuja, S. P. Singla Constructions Pvt ltd
 Mr. Jitendra Rathore, COO, Maurer-Sanfield India Ltd

Fig1. Glimpses of Inaugural session

IAStructE Student Chapters Activities:

IAStructE – IIIT Hyderabad Student Chapter Event:

1. Title of the event: A Trip to CSIR - NGRI, Hyderabad

Date & Venue: 20th March 2024 at CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) Hyderabad

The IAStructE – IIIT Hyderabad student chapter of the Earthquake Engineering Research Centre
organized an educational trip to the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI)
Hyderabad. The postgraduate students, Ph.D. scholars, and research interns attended the trip.
Firstly, the students visited the ‘Seismological Observatory’ where Dr. Vijaya Raghavan (Chief
Scientist, Earthquake Hazard Studies) and his team briefed about the historical significance of the
observatory, followed by insights into terminologies surrounding earthquake research such as
plate tectonics, seismograms, seismographs, earthquake alert systems, epicenter determination,
etc. The students observed the earthquake vault, where data concerning different earthquakes that
have occurred in the past were stored either in the form of manual data logs or digitized forms. The
students had the opportunity to see the seismograms and earthquake data.

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 Indian Association of
Structural Engineers
Next, the students visited the ‘Groundwater Building’, where the introduction to Airborne
Electromagnetics (AEMs), a technology that uses electromagnetic waves and Di-electric properties
of materials to locate groundwater aquifers, was demonstrated. The students were given an
intriguing demonstration of the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), a device widely applied for rapid
and precise mapping of near-surface structures and is used for data collection for civil engineering,
environmental, archaeological, and geological features. Dr. Sakram Gugulothu (Scientist, Geology,
Remote Sensing, and GIS Group) led the demonstration. Further, the students en route to the ‘Open
Rock Museum’ to see different types of rocks with ages ranging from 3.3 billion years to around 55
million years of the earth’s history. Dr. E.V.S.S.K Babu (Chief Scientist, Geochronology and Isotope
Studies) shared a glimpse into the earth’s geological history, highlighting concepts of rock and
mineral formations and India’s geological composition.

In addition, the students visited a few more labs like the Magnetotellurics (MT) Processing Lab,
where Dr. Prasanta K. Patro (Chief Scientist, Magnetotellurics) briefed the students with concepts
of electromagnetics, rock strata sensing, and frequency-based material identification. Dr. Anita Devi
(Scientist, Magnetotellurics) demonstrated to the students how to measure the electrical resistivity
of the sub-surface using variations of the earth’s magnetic and electric fields. Next came the
Thermal Geophysics, Rock Mechanics, and Paleomagnetism lab, where the team of Dr.
Venkateshwarlu M (Senior Principal Scientist), Dr. A.V. Satyakumar (Scientist), and Dr. Ramesh
Babu N (Senior Technical Officer) explained about the earth’s magnetic field preserved in rocks.
The team demonstrated cutting-edge devices used for their research, which included the Portable
Spinning Magnetometer, AF & Thermal Demagnetizer, and Advanced Variable Field Translation
Balance (AVFTB).
Finally, the tour concluded with a visit to the Thermal Conductivity Lab and Radioactivity Lab. Dr.
Nishu Chopra (Scientist) gave insights into concepts such as Geothermal Gradient and steady and
Transient Thermal Conductivity. Along with this, the equipment used to measure these parameters
was also shown. In the Radioactivity Lab, the group was briefed on Gamma-Ray Spectrometry,
which is used for geological mapping of rock alteration and concentration of radioactive elements.
Overall, it was a joyful and learning experience.

Fig 2. Glimpses of the visit

2. Tittle of the event: IIITH’s annual R&D Showcase

Date & Venue: 16th and 17th March 2024
Proceedings of the event: The students of the IAStructE – IIIT Hyderabad student chapter from the
Earthquake Engineering Research Centre (EERC) participated in IIITH’s annual R&D Showcase. The
students presented their research work, projects, and innovative ideas through posters and
physical models/demos. The event commenced with an opening ceremony, welcoming participants
and attendees. Following the ceremony, the poster presentation and model showcase began
simultaneously in designated areas of the venue. This year's showcase was themed “Interconnect

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 Indian Association of
Structural Engineers
and its Relevance between Algorithms, Ethics, and Society”. The students have presented multiple
posters on the following topics:

 Analysis of structures using MATLAB GUI and FEM

 Masonry material properties and construction techniques for historical buildings
 Structural restoration
 Structural behaviour of masonry and RC systems
 Seismic behaviour of non-structural elements, etc.

In addition, the display of physical models and demos added a tangible and visually compelling
dimension to the event. These models served as dynamic representations of theoretical concepts,
providing attendees with a hands-on opportunity to engage with the research more interactively.
Some of the mentioned models that students had developed are as follows:

 A structure with braced and unbraced system

 Model demonstrating the effect of structure’s height on the time period
 Seismograph
 Kath Kuni House
 Earth’s Interior Composition and Faults
 Base Isolation System, etc.

The showcase provided a unique opportunity for the viewers to interact with faculty and students,
gaining insights into their work through demos, prototypes, and presentations. This interactive
experience facilitated a deeper understanding of the research undertaken at IIITH, emphasizing its
practical applications and societal impact. In conclusion, the event was a grand success. Thanks to
the collaborative efforts of all involved. The students’ dedication and enthusiasm were
instrumental in creating an enriching and memorable experience for all.

The IAStructE DTU Student Chapter, within the Department of Civil Engineering, recently
orchestrated an engaging Infrahack Quiz as part of Civil Connect 2024. In addition to showcasing
the students' aptitude for civil engineering, this event provided a forum for cooperation and
intellectual interchange. Putting an emphasis on creativity and problem-solving, participants were
pushed to consider infrastructure design and how it affects society critically.

Fig 2. Glimpses of an event

2. Tittle of the event: A Visit to NRSC-ISRO, Hyderabad

Date & Venue: 28th March 2024, NRSC – National Remote Sensing Centre, a division of ISRO,
Hyderabad

Proceedings of the event: The IAStructE – IIIT Hyderabad student chapter of the Earthquake
Engineering Research Centre organized an educational visit to the NRSC – National Remote Sensing
Centre, a division of ISRO, Hyderabad on 28th March 2024. This excursion was joined by the PG
students, doctoral students, summer interns, staff and a faculty.

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 Indian Association of
Structural Engineers

The visit started off with a first presentation by Dr. Srinivas Reddy (Senior Scientist), overviewing
the history of NRSC, the different ISRO units in India, satellites launched by ISRO such as the SLV3,
ASLV, PSLV XL, etc., and their satellite orbits. Another aspect of the presentation focused on the
preparation and launch of satellites using rockets. This included detailed explanations on how
satellites and rockets are readied for launch, the various stages involved in a satellite launch, and
the types of fuel (e.g., Liquid Hydrogen, Dimethyl Hydrazine, etc.) used during different phases of
the launch process. For better understanding, a video demonstration was incorporated, showcasing
the entire process from preparation to launch. Dr. Reddy also emphasized on additional concepts
related to remote sensing, including the distinctions between active and passive sensors, as well as
the operational range for satellite data collection. The presentation concluded by throwing light on
geospatial applications of remote sensing in the fields of agriculture, water resources, forestry and
ecology, military and defence needs, disaster management support, etc., showcasing the broad
spectrum of benefits derived from remote sensing in various fields.

The second presentation conducted by Dr. Priyom Roy (Scientist) from Mineral Exploration and
Geohazards Division of NRSC, focused on space data and geospatial models for landslides and
earthquakes. Dr. Roy discussed different case studies of the fatal landslides in the past, which
transitioned into various concepts such as landslide inventory mapping using satellites,
susceptibility mapping using machine learning (ML) to understand landslide prone regions,
landslide warning systems and landslide predection using InSAR technique. Dr. Roy also
highlighted the studies on earthquake related concepts such as strain analysis, CORS Network to
measure plate movements for calculating earthquake strains, India on geohazards, etc., in depth.
Further, he explained the seismic hazard zoning, mapping deformation, and an overview of the
NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission. In both the presentations, there was a
brainstorming question and answer session between the speakers and the students.

The students also got the opportunity to explore the NRSC exhibition and showcase of the models
depicting rockets, satellites, deep space antennas (data receivers), polar orbits, etc. In addition,
there were a wide variety of posters and photographs on display outlining various geographical
landmarks, aftermath of natural calamities, and mosaics (aerial photographs). Overall, it was an
interactive and enriching learning experience for all.

Fig 3. Glimpses of the visit

Forthcoming Events:
Event Speakers Date & Place
Timing
Webinar on “Role of Structural Engineers Dr. Natasha Watson, 05.04.2024 at Online through
in Climate Crisis” Embodied Carbon 03:00 PM Zoom
Registration link: Lead, UK (IST)
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register Structures, Buro
/WN_yzcitayOSGOxDReTrGzVLw Happold

IAStructE Newsletter * March 2024 * 5

 Indian Association of
Structural Engineers

IAStructE Library:
IAStructE has set up a library at K-69 A, Basement Kalkaji, New Delhi. It has a collection of good technical
books and journals related to civil & structural engineering. Members staying in the vicinity are encouraged
to utilize this facility, and if you want to contribute your books and journal to the library you are always
welcomed.

Fig 4 IAStructE Library

Message from IAStructE social media & Digitization Committee

Let’s get “DIGITIZED”
With all new look of our website and media handles, please follow us on all major media platforms.
For joining us, below mentioned links to be pasted in browser. Let’s join hands together to
promote the profession of Civil Engineering.
1. on TWITTER as IAStructE: -https://twitter.com/iastructe
2. on Facebook as IAStructE: -https://www.facebook.com/IAStructE-100114022302316
3. on LinkedIn: -The group is defined as Indian Association of Structural Engineers-IAStructE
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/6646248/
4. on YouTube as IAStructE Webinar: - Subscribe and press bell icon
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvv7ojXO9Dxq1WtP_yHZTKw

Member’s Published Articles/Publications:

Journal Publications:

1. Tushar Bansal and Visalakshi Talakokula (2024), “Comparative analysis of very-early age
hydration process: LC3 vs. conventional and blended cement pastes using embedded piezo
sensors”, Measurement, Volume 229, April 2024, 114433.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2024.114433 Impact Factor: 5.131

2. Kefei Li · Junjie Zeng….. Visalakshi Talakokula et al., (2024), “RILEM recommendation

from TC 289-DCM: guideline for designing and operating long-term marine exposure sites”,
Materials and Structures (2024) 57:44,
https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-024-02319-9 Impact Factor: 3.427

IAStructE Newsletter * March 2024 * 6

 Indian Association of
Structural Engineers

Article:
LESSONS LEARNT BY BRIDGE OWNERS AND BRIDGE DESIGNERS FROM
BALTIMORE BRIDGE COLLAPSE
Alok Bhowmick, FNAE, IntPE(India)
Managing Director, B&S Engineering Consultants Pvt. Ltd.

1. Background

On March 26, 2024, at around 01:27 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), the main navigational span
of Francis Scott Key Bridge at Baltimore (USA), including 5 other adjacent spans collapsed,
when a container ship collided with one of the support piers. Fig. 1 shows the location of the
bridge and the route taken by the ship before collapse. The incident has raised serious
concerns about the safety of critical bridges across major streams, which are exposed to the risk of
ship/barge vessel collision.

This brief note is prepared with the objective of explaining

why this tragedy occurred. What lessons bridge owners,
bridge engineers, and maritime engineers have learned
from this failure? How can we make our existing bridges
safer against such possibilities? And what changes we need
to bring into our codes, standards, and practices to ensure
that the existing stock of bridges as well as the new bridges
that we build are safer.

Before I get to the subject, I wish to take this

opportunity to express my deepest condolences to the Fig. 1 : Map showing location of
families and friends of all those who lost their lives in this the bridge
tragedy or who are still missing. My sympathies go to all those who are affected by this
tragedy.

2. Salient Features of Francis Scott Key Bridge at Baltimore

The Francis Scott Key Bridge (named after the amateur poet Francis Scott Key (1779–1843),
the author of the American national anthem), was a steel arch-shaped continuous through
truss bridge structure that combines the behaviors of an arch, truss, and cantilever. The
bridge spans the lower Patapsco River and carried Maryland Route 695 in Baltimore,
Maryland, United States. It was opened to traffic nearly 47 years ago, in the year 1977. It used
to carry an estimated 11.5 million vehicles annually (i.e. ~31,500 vehicles per day).

Total length of this 4 lane bridge is 2632.25m. The span arrangement of this bridge comprised
of 25 nos x 30.48m + 9 nos x 91.44m + main span module of (219.46m + 365.76m + 219.46m).
The main central navigational span through which all ships / barges pass is of length
365.76m. It was the second longest continuous trussed bridge in USA. Fig. 1 below shows the
span arrangement of the bridge. The foundation hit by the ship is highlighted in this sketch
and the portion of superstructure which collapsed is marked in RED. A total of 6 spans came
down covering a length of 1079m of the bridge. Fig. 2 shows the photograph of the bridge
when it was operational

219.46m + 365.76m + 219.46m + 3 x 91.44m

Fig. 1 : Span Arrangement of the Collapsed portion of Bridge

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 Indian Association of
Structural Engineers
3. Why did this bridge collapse?

The collapse of this bridge has a significant social, environmental and financial impact. It raises
questions about the responsibilities of the various parties involved. The National Transportation
Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the case to determine the official cause of the collapse. The
findings of the investigation will help determine if any parties, such as the ship operator, maritime
board or bridge maintenance authorities, bear legal responsibility for the incident. Until NTSB
finalizes its investigation into the disaster, it's not possible to say with certainty what is the prime
cause of collapse. However from the perspective of a bridge / structural engineer, it is clear that
there are several secondary causes of collapse and planning, design and construction of this bridge
is certainly one of them. Some of the issues pertaining to bridge planning and design are discussed
below:
a) The bridge was neither designed to withstand the impact from the kind of vessel which hit
the bridge, nor was there any significant protection measures provided to mitigate the
impact of such forces.
b) As can be seen from Fig. 2, the piers looks too flimsy to take the impact of ships. Perhaps the
piers are not designed for ship impact at all.
c) There are small dolphins provided (the small round objects visible in the figure), on each
side of the bridge piers as protection measures. These dolphins are again too flimsy
compared to the size of ships plying and they have not been able to prevent the vessel from
hitting the sleek pier. Protection system against such ships had to be much more robust and
big-sized, matching with the ship size and its DWT. For the sake of comparison, collision
protection system of Penang Bridge, Malaysia (1985 construction), is shown below in
Fig. 3 which can be compared with the protection system provided in this bridge.

Fig. 2 : Photo of the Bridge before collapse

Fig. 3 : Collision Protection

System of Penang Bridge,
Malaysia

d) The width of the navigational channel of 365.76m provided in this bridge is perhaps on the
lower side for the kind of vessels plying in this route. The bridge constitutes a bottleneck in
this case, when the ships are passing under this bridge. This could be one major reason for

IAStructE Newsletter * March 2024 * 8

 Indian Association of
Structural Engineers
the tragedy. The width of navigational channel to be kept depends on the length of vessels
passing the bridge and its design speed. A bumper zone of at least 3.2L is recommended for
navigation, in case the ships are allowed to cross the bridge at normal speed. This
requirement can be reduced to 1.6L in case ships are allowed to pass with restricted speed.
‘L’ is the maximum length of vessel. In this case, the vessel which collided was having a
length of 300m. Even if we consider this length as the maximum length of ship which passes
this bridge, the minimum width of navigational channel required here is at least 480m.
Therefore a cable stayed bridge would have been more appropriate in this case. In the
1970s, when this bridge was conceptualized and constructed, ships were dramatically
smaller in size and perhaps engineers would not have foreseen the need for a longer main
span in this bridge and could not have imagined the kind of container ships that are plying
today. It is hoped that the replacement bridge will consider providing a longer navigational
span at this crossing.
e) The steel arch-shaped continuous through truss bridge structure provided in this bridge
is a fracture-critical continuous structure. Failure of any member of such bridge would
lead to a progressive collapse, which has actually happened. This criticality of the
structural arrangement makes this bridge vulnerable and a candidate for more robust
arrangement of ship protection system, which should have been provided.
f) The cargo ship DALI which took down the Baltimore bridge, is a mid-sized container
ship having length overall (LOA) of 299.92 meters and width of 48.2 meters. At the time
of collapse, the ship was carrying 4700 containers though it has capacity of carrying
10,000 containers. The DWT of the ship was about 120,000 tonnes.
g) Fig. 4 below shows the phenomenal growth in size and capacity of ships over last 50
years. It can be seen that the size and DWT of ships have grown more than 8 times over
last 50 years. This bridge therefore could not have resisted the impact of the container
ship.

teu : Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit

Fig. 4 : Development of Size of Ships with time

4. Lessons learnt from this failure?

a) Failure of Francis Skott Key Bridge at Baltimore is a wakeup call to all bridge owners
and bridge designers across the globe. The frequency of such accidents and the severity
of their consequences can increase, unless mitigation measures are quickly adopted.
b) As modern cargo ships are getting larger in size and DWT, there is an urgent need to
revisit the present national and international standards on provision of ship/barge
collision into bridges.
c) Old and existing bridges in major navigational channels must be protected from the risk
of vessel collision. Protecting these assets will be far more cost effective than taking the
risk of loosing a bridge and facing the consequences

IAStructE Newsletter * March 2024 * 9

 Indian Association of
Structural Engineers
d) Within other engineering constraints, bridge piers in navigational channels should be
massive and robust and capable of resisting the impact of vessels passing in the channel,
unless piers are protected from vessel collisions by independent structures such as
artificial islands, structural barriers, dolphins, protective cells, and moored pontoons.
e) India has about 14500 km of navigable waterways currently. This includes rivers,
backwaters, canals, creeks, and so on. Till 2016, there were only 5 national waterways.
But in 2016, 106 additional national waterways were added in the National Waterways.
This means that all the existing bridges of pre-2016 construction, are not designed for
any barge impact forces and they are vulnerable. It is important to carry out a study to
identify the risk for all these vulnerable bridges and come out with protection measures
to mitigate risk of failures.
f) This paper only deals with the preventive and corrective actions which can be taken by
Bridge Designers and Planners. There are other factors (shipboard, external,
environmental) which has influence on vessel-bridge collision. This is not dealt with in
this brief article.

5. Conclusions
The wisdom of learning from failure is incontrovertible. Let us not loose any opportunity to
learn lessons from failure studies. It’s not always necessary to learn from your own mistakes.
You can learn from other’s mistakes too.

Call for papers for CROSFALL:

CROSFALL is a newsletter created by Indian Association of Structural Engineers (IAStructE). Its
purpose is to share lessons learnt from structural failures, near-misses and safety concerns. CROSFALL
is greatly encouraged and inspired by CROSS (Confidential Reporting on Structural Safety), UK, which is
a collaborative effort of three institutions (IStructE, ICE and IFE). There is however no connection
between CROSFALL-IAStructE and CROSS-UK
CROSFALL Editorial Board invites reports for the forthcoming issues. Interested candidates can sent the
reports about structural safety issues related to all types of structures (i.e. buildings, bridges, tunnels,
industrial structures etc.) in the built environment. The reporting can be related to:
 Structural failures,
 Poor Design and Detailing, Lack of Seismic Safety in planning
 Safety concerns about high risk erection schemes at Site
 Safety concerns on Temporary Works
 Near misses, or observations relating to procedures followed at site, which may lead to failures or
collapses.
Reports do not have to be about current activities so long as they are relevant. Small scale events are
equally important - they can be the precursors to more major failures. Report might relate to a specific
experience or it could be based on a series of experiences indicating a trend. No concern is too small to
be reported and conversely nothing is too large. Reports should aim to include information that will
help others to learn from the safety issue identified.
To submit the report please go through the following link: www.iastructe.co.in/crosfall.php

Call for papers for the theme-based issue of SED journal:

SED Editorial Board invites article contributions for the forthcoming issue of the Structural Engineering
Digest on the following themes, which shall be published in e-book format. Details are as under:
April-June 2024 issue: Theme: Industrial Structures
Guest Editor: Mr. V. N. Heggade

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 Indian Association of
Structural Engineers
Sub-theme:
 Industrial Cooling towers and chimneys
 Factory Buildings
 Balance of plant structures in nuclear power plants, Thermal power plants, and hydel power
plants
 Structures in steel and cement plants
Interested professionals may send their full paper on any of the above issues along with their
photograph and brief resume latest by 15 March 2024 or at the earliest convenience. Articles are
invited from i) Members of IAStructE; ii) Specialists in the field even though they are not members of
IAStructE.

IAStructE Publications:
1. Commentary with Worked Examples for IRC: 6-2017: It is a document having commentary with
worked example on IRC: 6-2017 (The code for Loads & Load Combinations for design of Highway
Bridges). This commentary is in two separate volumes. Volume-1 pertains to the Commentary while
Volume-2 pertains to Illustrative Worked Examples. It has 48 worked examples demonstrating
application of various codal clauses.

It's a priced document and hence not freely downloadable.

The documents are available for sale @ Rs. 1200/- for Volume 1, and @ Rs. 800/- for Volume
II. Members of IAStructE and IRC will be entitled for a discount of 10% on this amount. Interested
professionals who wish to purchase the commentary may kindly register with the following link or
contact IAStructE Secretariat at iastructe@gmail.com
Registration link: http://iastructe.co.in/new-iastructe-publication.php.

2. Guidelines for Structural Audit, Assessment, Evaluation and

Strengthening of Existing buildings Structures: This document will guide
structural engineers in proper assessment of building structures before
issuing structural stability certificate. These guidelines may be used by
IAStructE members, all other structural engineers, house owners, housing
society welfare associations, clients and corporation engineers for
understanding structural audit of the private and public building structures.
The Guideline focuses on the urgent need to strengthen risk resilience of
buildings from any kind of risks due to earthquake and other hazards. It is
hoped that this document will be useful to ensure that all structures across
the country remain safe from any kind of disaster risk.
It's a priced document and hence not freely downloadable.
The price of this e-document is Rs 200/-. Interested professionals, who wish to obtain the soft version
of the Guideline in pdf format, may register with the following link. Registration Link:
http://iastructe.co.in/guidelines-for-structural-audit.php

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 Indian Association of
Structural Engineers
3. Commentary on IS: 13920: The commentary is available on www.iastructe.co.in under IAStructE
Professional Documents. IAStructE member can access this document after login.
4. Commentary on IS: 1893 Part 1: The commentary is available on www.iastructe.co.in under
IAStructE Professional Documents. IAStructE member can access this document after login.

5. Guidelines for Design of Bridge Abutments and Retaining Walls: This

document will assist practicing bridge and structural engineers in building
confidence in the design of these structures, which offers tools for the design of
economic and innovative retaining structures. The document is rich in
theoretical explanations and draws on much experience of the authors. Worked
examples further illustrate the application of the applicable codes and should
promote better understanding.

The document is available for sale @ Rs. 1500/-. Interested professionals who
wish to purchase this document may kindly contact IAStructE Secretariat at
iastructe@gmail.com

6. Guideline for Selection and Design of Post-installed Anchors in Concrete

Connections: In this document, only post-installed anchors are covered
including their types, behaviour and working principles, failure modes, and
basic design steps for non-seismic and seismic situations. A few illustrative
design examples too are presented for better understanding of design
methodology. This document is now available on www.iastructe.co.in under
IAStructE Professional Documents. IAStructE member can access this document
after login.
IAStructE Newsletter * March 2024 * 12
 Indian Association of
Structural Engineers

IAStructE is now a Statutory Member of fib:

IAStructE Newsletter * March 2024 * 13

 Indian Association of
Structural Engineers

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Half Page quarterly, 20% rebate for half yearly and 30% rebate for 4.75-inch x 7 inch
yearly booking.
Rs. Rs. 2,000/- + 18% GST per issue, 10% rebate for
1/8th of a Standard size of Business
quarterly, 20% rebate for half-yearly, and 30% rebate for
Page Card
yearly bookings. (Only for IAStructE Members)

Accredited Structural Engineers (ASE – IAStructE):

The IAStructE program for Accreditation as Accredited Structural Engineers (ASE – IAStructE) is
suitable for practicing structural engineers who have experience in the structural design field and have
a good understanding of applicable design codes/standards in India.
This accreditation will help Structural Engineers in India to set a benchmark of proven professional &
technical excellence and raise the levels of structural engineering practice in the Country. The entire
program would be on the basis of a two-stage process consisting of an interview for the assessment of
Initial Professional Development (IPD) followed by a written examination based on actual problem-
solving. Applicants have to demonstrate their competence in the designated 12 key attributes on which
they will be assessed during the interview. The applicant would then require to clear the examination
by answering any single chosen question from the options given in the question paper with a minimum
level of marks stipulated. Both stages are mandatory to clear the assessment process and thus to get
recognition.
An Accredited Structural Engineer – IAStructE is someone who wishes to:

 validate their comprehensive experience and understanding of all types of structural

engineering work and managerial capabilities
 demonstrate their competence on the basis of IPD and Continuous Professional Development
activities in the field

Details of the application and assessment requirements, fees, and available dates can be consulted in
the relevant fields given in the tabs below. They summarize the general application process, the
assessment requirements, and the steps needed to qualify for the ASE-IAStructE accreditation.
The complete information about the entire process along with the application form and annexures can
also be obtained from a booklet, which can be downloaded from the following
link: https://www.iastructe.co.in/ase-iastructe-accreditation.php
This assessment process will be held bi-annually, being initiated in January & July respectively.

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 Indian Association of
Structural Engineers

About IAStructE:
Indian Association of Structural Engineers (IAStructE) is the national apex body of structural engineers in
India established with the objective to cater to the overall professional needs of structural engineers. The
association has become the source of expertise and information concerning all issues that involve structural
engineering and public safety within the built environment. It has no commercial aim or objective. IAStructE
is purely a professional learned society with the prime objective of supporting and protecting the profession
of structural engineering by upholding professional standards and acting as a mouthpiece for structural
engineers. IAStructE endeavors to ensure that its members develop the necessary skill in structural
engineering and work to the highest standards by maintaining a commitment to professional ethics and
standards within structural engineering. IAStructE strives for continued technical excellence; advancing
safety and innovation across the built environment. It also strives to make available to the Government,
Public Sector and Private Sector - a credible source of well qualified and experienced Structural Engineers. A
nationwide database of Structural Engineers has been compiled and is being constantly updated. IAStructE
undertakes a broad range of technical activities which are aimed at information sharing and capacity
building. The association provides opportunity for all the members to develop various skills in structural
engineering and helps members to be at the forefront of structural engineering practice. Towards
achievement of its aims and objectives, IAStructE is engaged in organizing the following: CPD Courses for
Professionals at all levels Refresher Courses for Fresh Graduate Engineers, Student’s orientation program,
Seminars/Workshops, Technical Lectures by Experts, Technical Discussions on Contentious Issues.
IAStructE is currently operating from four regional centers. These regional centres located in the Eastern,
Western, Northern and Southern parts of the country effectively cater to the professional needs of members
residing/practicing all over the country.

Membership Benefits:
Membership of IAStructE is a sought-after professional accreditation. Your membership of IAStructE can
help you enhance your intellectual, academic, technical and professional status. It provides inter
connectivity to the fellow professionals and the fraternity. Some of the benefits of membership is provided
below:
 Complimentary magazine subscription: All members (except Student Members) receive a
complimentary subscription to the Institution’s flagship publication ‘Structural Engineering
Digest’ (SED). Published quarterly, each issue allows members to remain connected to the
association through the provision of technical papers, Industry and Institution News, featured
articles, Professional Guidance on everyday matters affecting the practicing structural engineers.
 Access to the professional documents
 Access to all Technical Lectures, organized every month, at no charge
 Access to Technical Discussions held regularly
 Access to the association’s library (Including e-library)
 Discounts in attending Seminars and Workshops organized by the association
 Full on-line access to the current volume and entire e-archive of journal “Structural Engineering
Digest (SED)”, Refresher Course Materials, Technical Lectures, E-Newsletters and other Technical
Resources of the Association.
 Opportunity to network with professional structural engineers of eminence and to meet potential
employers in the association.
 Opportunities for professional development
How to become a member?
Membership form and details are available at https://www.iastructe.co.in/membership-grades.php; for
more information and other details contact the Indian Association of Structural Engineers Secretariat

Indian Association of Structural Engineers

K-69A, Basement, Kalkaji, New Delhi 110019
Tel: (011) 45794829; Email:iastructe@gmail.com; Website: www.iastructe.co.in

IAStructE Newsletter * March 2024 * 15

 Indian Association of
Structural Engineers

IAStructE Newsletter * March 2024 * 16

 Indian Association of
Structural Engineers

IAStructE Newsletter * March 2024 * 17